This year marked the 20th anniversary of the release of the American Gold Eagle coins. The US Mint offered special sets for collectors as well as introducing new versions of the coin featuring an uncirculated finish. The 20th Anniversary Gold Eagle Set was a 3 coin set that was limited to 10,000 units and promptly sold out. The 20th Anniversary Gold and Silver Eagle Set was a 2 coin set that was limited to 20,000 units and sold out within a few months. Additionally, the US Mint introduced the American Gold Buffalo midway through 2006. These were offered in addition to the American Gold Eagles. In 2006, all 4 denominations of the American Gold Eagle coins saw declines in their mintage numbers, with the 1/2 oz coin’s mintage numbers going from 80,023 in 2005 to 66,005 in 2006. The 1 oz Gold Eagle suffered the largest mintage decrease. JM Bullion presently has the 2006 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle Coin available for purchase.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in a protective plastic flip!
- 21st year of the American Gold Eagle coin series!
- Contains 1/2 Troy oz of actual gold content.
- Bears a face value of $25 (USD) fully backed by the US government.
- Lady Liberty featured on the obverse.
- A family of eagles featured on the reverse.
The American Gold Eagle obverse features the full-length figure of Lady Liberty. This design was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the early 1900’s, initially appearing on the Double Eagle ($20) coins that were minted through 1933. This Gold Eagle Lady Liberty is a version of Saint-Gaudens’ Double Eagle Lady Liberty. She appears to be walking right off the coin to you. Her outstretched right hand is carrying a torch and she is holding an olive branch in her left hand. Lady Liberty’s hair is flowing in the breeze behind her. Near the bottom edge of the coin, to the left of her right foot, is a depiction of the Capitol building.
The American Gold Eagle reverse features an eagle family created by Miley Busiek and sculpted by Sherl J. Winter. The male eagle is in flight, clutching an olive branch, headed towards a nest occupied by an eagle family. It is intended to symbolize the importance of family in America. It includes several inscriptions as well.
The American Gold Eagle coins are made of a durable composition of 22 karat gold. They are comprised of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. The 1 oz Gold Eagle coin is the largest of the 4 coins, with each coin weight getting smaller in size.
The year 2001 was the start of twelve consecutive years where the price of gold increased. The price of gold surpassed the $300 per ounce mark, the $400 per ounce mark, the $500 per ounce mark, until in 2006, the price of gold surpassed the $700 per ounce mark. This was the first time since 1980 where the price of gold was this high. After starting 2006 at $530.00 per ounce, it finished the year at $632.00 per ounce, an increase of more than 23% over the previous year.
If you have any questions, please contact our JM Bullion Customer Service team, as we will be happy to help. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, via our live chat, or via our email.